INDIANAPOLIS
(AP) — The state Department of Health has opened a call center to answer
questions about influenza in the wake of five human flu cases being linked
to hogs.

The health
department announced this week a case of variant influenza A had been
confirmed in southern Indiana's Jackson County after four cases were
previously linked to the LaPorte County Fair in northwestern Indiana. The
flu strain can be transmitted between swine and people, and human
infections are most likely to occur in people near live infected pigs.

The health
department recommends people should wash their hands frequently and should
never eat, drink or put anything in their mouth when visiting animal
areas.

The number for
the call center is 877-826-0011. It is open 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Monday
through Friday.